CAS University

CAS offers these fun and convenient ways to learn more about astronomy and telescopes.

Classroom: CAS conducts classes on astronomy know-how for members depending on their needs. These classes will emphasize getting started in astronomy with subjects such as How to Choose and Buy a Telescope, How to Use Your New Telescope and How Telescopes Work. Hand’s on experience both in the classroom and outdoors will be offered. Several members also conduct evening continuing education classes on astronomy through the Albemarle County Open Doors Program at Albemarle High School in the spring and the fall.

Mentoring: All who join CAS will have plenty of opportunities to ask for help and observe with other more experienced amateurs. We have regular monthly meetings as well as ad-hoc observing sessions where help is always available. Members may also join our Yahoo! electronic discussion group. Setting up and using your equipment, finding objects of interest, binocular observing, astrophotography and CCD imaging are all best learned in a friendly social setting.

On This Website: You can always get to a wealth of information on the web, starting with the Astro Links page on this website. But, remember, nothing is better than actual observing with friendly, experienced amateur astronomers.

Piedmont Science Fair: Each year CAS participates in the Piedmont Regional Science Fair, offering two prizes to the students with the best astronomy-related science projects.

Public Outreach: We at CAS are also dedicated to working with the community. If you have a class, scout troupe or other group that would like to schedule an observing session, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Charlottesville Astronomical Society will hold its Heidi’s Night Activity for students grades 4 – 12 and parents interested in Astronomy on Friday, November 30th from 7 to 8:30 pm at the McCormick Observatory on the grounds of the University of Virginia. The event honors the memory CAS member Heidi Winter, former executive secretary to the Director of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, who passed away in 2012. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in four activities during the evening. These include:

A laser tour of the night sky

A classroom activity

Viewing the night sky though the historic 26” Clark refractor

View the night sky through a home-built 4” scope

Registration is required. For more information or to register, please click here to email Steve Layman. In case of inclement weather, the evening may be shortened and activities would be limited to indoors.